How Affordable isHomeownership forAmerica’s Heroes?

Pittsburgh is a highly livable city with a strong mix of affordability, culture, parks, universities, healthcare, and distinct neighborhoods. There's plenty to do, from museums, sports, restaurants and music venues to riverfront trails and numerous parks. It's especially good for families because it combines city amenities with quieter residential areas and access to green space.

• #1 Teachers & Educators
• #1 Fire & Law Enforcement
• #1 Health Care Professionals
• #2 Military & Veterans

Known as “Motor City”, Detroit is in the midst of reinventing itself and the energy is hard to miss. The area offers affordability, culture, automotive history, music, and distinctive communities. With world-class museums, sports, restaurants, live music, and riverfront attractions, there's a little something for everyone. Detroit is also just across the river from Canada.

• #2 Teachers & Educators
• #2 Health Care Professionals
• #3 Fire & Law Enforcement
• #3 Military & Veterans

Though the second most populous city in New York, Buffalo is an affordable and very livable metro thanks to its quiet neighborhoods and welcoming community. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, the city boasts a revitalized waterfront, thriving art scene, plenty of green spaces, and rich culinary traditions. You can also visit the stunning and nearby Niagara Falls.

• #1 Military & Veterans
• #2 Fire & Law Enforcement
• #3 Health Care Professionals
• #4 Teachers & Educators

Located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland is known for its world-class healthcare, thriving sports teams, lakefront attractions, music and theater scene, and distinctive neighborhoods. The big city amenities combined with affordability and a more relaxed pace make Cleveland a very attractive place to live.

• #3 Teachers & Educators
• #4 Fire & Law Enforcement
• #4 Military & Veterans

Known as the “Gateway to the West”, St. Louis sits on the mighty Mississippi River and serves as a shining example of a Midwestern cultural hub. Rich in history, cultural attractions, distinct culinary traditions, riverfront destinations, and a deep passion for sports, St. Louis offers big city living with the laid back attitude of the Midwest.

• #4 Health Care Professionals
• #5 Teachers & Educators
• #5 Fire & Law Enforcement
• #5 Military & Veterans

Los Angeles is a sprawling Southern California metropolis known for its entertainment industry, diverse neighborhoods, beaches, and year-round sunshine. While it offers world-class culture and career opportunities, sky-high home prices make it the least affordable market for Teachers and Health Care Professionals.

At the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is a global technology hub with a strong economy, excellent schools, and proximity to world-leading innovation centers. However, the region's housing market is one of the nation's most expensive, making it the least affordable metro for Fire, EMS & Law Enforcement and Military & Veteran households.

San Francisco is an iconic city famous for its steep hills, cable cars, tech economy, and cultural landmarks. The Bay Area's limited housing supply and strong job market push prices near the top of the nation, creating a significant affordability gap for Hero households.

San Diego is known for its mild climate, beaches, military bases, and vibrant biotech sector. Its desirable coastal location and high demand keep home prices well above national averages, making it one of the toughest markets for Heroes to buy.

New York City offers unmatched career opportunities, culture, transit, and diversity across its five boroughs. But limited space and strong demand keep home prices high, placing it among the least affordable major metros for Hero households.

Miami is a vibrant international city known for its beaches, arts scene, nightlife, and strong ties to Latin American business. While more affordable than some coastal peers, rapid growth and demand have pushed home prices beyond easy reach for many Hero households.